AMTU, ATRPFM apprise Governor
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, June 30 2018:
The All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) and All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) have apprised Governor, Dr Najma Heptulla on the number of issues including the Manipur University impasse, the border row and the cease work strike by Government employees, saying that the Governor's prompt intervention has become a matter of urgency in order to address the problems.
Regarding the Manipur University impasse, the two tribal bodies said that the prolonging impasse over the demand for the removal of the Vice Chancellor has deprived thousands of students by adversely affecting their academic "privileges" .
The two bodies said that, as envisaged by the Governor and the Chief Minister the investigation is assured by the Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry, it is anticipated that it will take place at the earliest.
"As such, it is our heartfelt plead through your good self that patience be endured to ensure such a mechanism that students are not disturbed in their academic pursuit in this academically competitive era", the two tribal organizations added.
According to them, democratic protests are appreciated, "however, unlawful activities such as obstructing normal academic processes may not be appropriate in a university for it will project the varsity in a bad light to the world".
The AMTU and ATRPFM felt that this may, in turn, repel intending students of other States and countries to enrol in the varsity.
The two tribal bodies further said, "Such frequent agitations in the State have also compelled our children to pursue education in other States while draining out money from our State as once stated by our Hon'ble Speaker of the Legislative Assembly".
Hence, the two organizations asserted, "A probe or investigation must be given a chance for anyone to have a fair trial, otherwise anything under duress or pressure is akin to mob-justice that will malign the image of Manipur in general and Manipur University in particular." On the border row, AMTU and the ATRPFM alleged that the Manipur's territory was encroached on by the neighbouring country i.e.Myanmar by around 3 kms by erecting the border fencing at Kwatha Khunou under Tengnoupal district.
However, the AMTU and ATRPFM attributed this to the lack of strict vigil along the international border.
"As such, in addition to the present security forces posted at the area, it is urged to deploy more security forces' of the BSF to operate in the border areas with constant patrolling so that such issue does not crop up again in the near future," the two tribal bodies urged.
On the cease work strike by the Government employees, the AMTU and ATRPFM said, "It is our appeal to the Hon'ble Governor of Manipur to kindly initiate the State Government to intimate and facilitate a parley over the cease work strike for over 90 days now" .
The AMTU and the ATRPFM said that the cease work strike being launched has been obstructing the services and normal file procedures of the public.
"Moreover, the oriented schemes and developmental projects have come 'to a stop which affects mainly poor people, especially of the hill areas," they pointed out.
"The agitation has been prompted by non-implementation of the 7th Pay Commission but appalling price hike on essential commodities directly affects the daily life of the common people in Manipur dragging them to poverty," the two organizations stated.
"As such, we appeal the Hon'ble Governor of Manipur to kindly look into the public grievances and request for special financial grant for the 7th Pay demand in the State to the Union government so as to bring an early solution", they appealed.
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